Implant Secured Dentures

At the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, Dr. Shaw has a great deal of experience supplying patients with dentures. People usually think of dentures as removable, but it is possible to make them permanent fixtures in a patient’s mouth through the use of mini-implants. These implants are much less taxing on the patient to install than implants for individual teeth, but can partially help to reinforce the jaw bone.

Mini-implants are narrow rods which can be placed into the patient’s jaw through simple incisions. The long osseointegration process required for full-size implants is unnecessary, as is the need for artificial crowns. Instead, the denture is modified to include holes in it for the mini-implants to slide into, as well as a gel cushion to squeeze and stick to them. The denture is kept securely in place by the mini-implants, not only reducing its risk of falling out, but also providing the jaw bone with more stability so that it will not change shape as much in the future. This reduces the number of refittings the patient will need to undergo. Mini-implants can be installed in a single visit to the office in a safe procedure requiring only conscious sedation.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

Gum Grafts

At the Austin clinic of the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we regularly see the ravages of periodontal disease on gum tissue. There are many restorative approaches for teeth, and mild gum surgery is frequently done to close pockets in the tissue, but reconstructing receded gums could require a more complicated type of graft.

If the gums have receded too far to be stretched back over the roots of the teeth, Dr. Shaw may think it best to add new soft material. If the new tissue also comes from the patient, this is referred to as a “self-donation.” Donor tissue is usually taken from the soft palate at the roof of the mouth. In some cases, a flap is cut into the soft palate and tissue is removed from beneath it, and the flap is sutured afterward. At other times, some of the outer surface may be transferred as well and sewn over the exposed tooth roots. The donor site would then be protected with surgical film while it heals.

The development of synthetic grafting materials and use of cadaver donors eliminates the need for one of the surgical sites. Getting new gum tissue may seem frightening to a patient, but the surgery has a very high success rate and should greatly reduce the sensitivity of their teeth.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, call us at 512-451-7491 or visit our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com. 

Oral Care for Diabetics

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. They are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. If you have diabetes, please call our office to schedule a professional exam with Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group to prevent further dental complications.

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and scheduling a dental checkup every six months.

If you are diabetic and have questions about the quality of your oral care, please give us a call. To learn more about Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, call us at 512-451-7491 or visit our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com.